Hi jim t west,

Plat 4.5 is a rather old version, but first things first--> there is a patch for this version
http://www.punchsoftware...m/patches/patch_plat.htm

Regarding your questions
--> "Is there a way to sink the foundation like 30 feet or so?"--> yes--> right click on the slider and set the elevation or --> draw the foundation--> select it --> Edit --> set object elevation
--> "Are there tutorials on what a person should/can choose as far as how many and how large stifiner beams and foundation peirs and so on and how far appart and such for the size of the building and how many foors and stuff"--> If your question means "does this software perform the calculations?", or "does this software provide the specs?", the answer is, "nope, it doesn't" and more, if you are looking for a sw, where you draw a floorplan and the sw would determine "use these trusses" or "this will be a load wall", this software doesn't exist. Calculations must be performed by a professional
You can see additional info performing a search in this forum with the words "blueprints" or "architect". Also, check at my site the article "Do I need an Architect?"
http://www.punchhelpers.com/need_arch.html

Patricia